Superintendent Registrar’s advice for same-sex marriage planning

08 February 2018

Work is underway to allow Jersey’s new marriage law to come into force.

The new marriage law will, for the first time, allow for same-sex couples to get married and for all couples to have much more choice over who marries them and where they get married.

Now that the States Assembly have voted for change, work has already begun on developing new booking systems for giving notice, approving venues and authorising marriage celebrants. Once the UK’s Privy Council approve the proposed changes, this work will be completed and the amended law will come into force in a number of months. Jersey’s Superintendent Registrar, Claire Follain, said that her Office has received a number of calls since the new law was debated in the States last week.

Ms Follain said: “Couples are, understandably, eager to start planning their weddings and we’re already receiving queries from people who want to get married outdoors, from same-sex couples, or from people who want a specific person to marry them - such as a humanist celebrant. However, until the Privy Council approve the changes, we are not able to confirm when the amended law will come into force, how outdoor venues can be approved, or the celebrants people can choose from.”

“The fact that people are contacting us, indicates just how welcome the proposed changes are. But it will be a few months before we can provide any more definitive information.”

Anyone who needs more information should contact the Superintendent Registrar’s office on +44 (0) 1534 441335 or at marriageenquiries@gov.je